Rink round up extra

Wednesday, 2nd February 2005

Sheffield Steelers have parted company with their Head Coach Rob Stewart following a difficult run which has seen Sheffield slide to fifth place in the Elite League table despite having played more games than the four teams above them. Stewart's replacement behind the bench is ex-Manchester Phoenix coach Paul Heavey, who took over the reins at Phoenix in the middle of last season. Heavey has been coaching with the Paisley Pirates so far this season, and a move to Sheffield sees him return to the Elite League in time to focus the Steelers campaign for the Play-Offs.

The Elite League has extended invitations to the seven teams of the BNL to join the Elite League for next season. Bracknell Bees, Guildford Flames, Hull Stingrays, Newcastle Vipers, Dundee Stars, Edinburgh Capitals and Fife Flyers have all been invited to join 'the Elite League umbrella', and have been invited to consult on the topic before the next meeting of the EIHL Executive Board. As yet there are no confirmed plans on how an enlarged Elite League would be structured. The invitations have been extended to the BNL clubs following interest expressed by some of the clubs in joining the EIHL.

by Richard Allan

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Rink round up extra